MHC electrician apprentice wins title of fastest in Canada at IDEAL event
By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 24, 2023.
reporter@medicinehatnews.com Nathan Chapman is a fourth-year electrician apprentice at Medicine Hat College and was recently awarded the title of fastest in Canada during the IDEAL National Championship ‘Battle of the Schools.’ IDEAL was welcomed into the labs of participating post-secondary institutions across the country, where apprentices were able to participate to see how quickly they could complete tasks. Wiring skills typically needed in residential projects were the focus of the testing, with Chapman not only being the fastest in his class, but also across Canada, receiving $2,000 in awards for his win. Although Chapman has limited work experience in the area being tested, he believes the skills he learned in class helped him succeed. “It’s pretty cool, I didn’t expect to win,” says Chapman. “Thank you to IDEAL for (the award), it’s going to help out a lot, definitely while in school.” Amanda Hennessey, electrician instructor at MHC, says the competition was a good opportunity for students to try different tools while putting their skills to the test. “I think just having the experience and being willing to participate is important in competitions like these. It’s a little bit nerve wracking to get up and do something while everyone’s watching you, so it rewards the courage,” says Hennessey, who adds that MHC participated as a way for students to practise and have fun while they learn. MHC also benefits from Chapman’s win and will receive $2,500 worth of tools and supplies from IDEAL. “We’re very excited that Nathan won, we’re very proud of him, and we’re very honoured that we also got a prize package so we can help get more tools in the students’ hands and better our program,” says Hennessey. To learn more about the electrician program offered at MHC, visit mhc.ab.ca. 11-10
